NORTH ATTLEBORO – The dual tax rate approved by selectmen last year will remain in effect after a unanimous vote by the town council on Wednesday.
The shift of 18 percent to the business sector is the same as this year. The cost to residents will be $14.35 per $1,000 assessed valuation and $17.55 for businesses. The rates must be approved by the state before they take effect on January 1.
A single tax rate would have resulted in a cost of $14.87 per $1,000.
Residential values increased 4.1 percent for the fiscal year that ended June 30. Commercial property decreased 3.4 percent, industrial dropped by 1.3 percent. Personal property increased by 2.5%.
Last year’s rate was set after the town voted in support of a Proposition 2 1/2 override. Current councilors Keith Lapointe and Michael Lennox had vowed to resign if a dual rate wasn’t approved last November.
Councilors were not interested in increasing the difference between residential and business.
“I would not be in favor of increasing the split,” said councilor John Simmons.
Lapointe agreed, “I absolutely positively do not want to put any more burden on the businesses.
“The shift that was made last year did put more burden on the commercial and industrial sector, but they have the opportunity to raise their prices while residents will go without something,” Jo Anne Cathcart said.
A small commercial exemption of 5 percent was also approved unanimously.
The argument was made that eliminating the exemption would result in the added cost trickling down to tenants.
Wednesday’s meeting can be seen on North TV’s Government Channel: Comcast 98 and Verizon 23 and on the northtv.net website.
Click below to view highlights of the council’s discussion.
